Why POA?
At Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates (POA), our priority is delivering world-class care tailored to you as an individual. We understand that every patient has unique needs, and we are committed to providing personalized solutions that support your mobility, comfort, and independence.
We also recognize that successful outcomes require a team approach. That’s why we collaborate closely with physicians, therapists, and case managers to ensure a seamless and holistic care experience. By working together, we create customized solutions that empower you to live life to the fullest.
From our administrative staff to our clinicians and technicians, each team member is committed to ensuring you receive the highest level of care as efficiently as possible. We continuously refine our techniques, stay up to date with the latest advancements, and collaborate closely with physicians, therapists, and case managers to provide a seamless, holistic care experience.
We invite you to meet our team and discover the expertise, dedication, and personalized attention that set POA apart.
The Clinical Team
Founder & CEO
Tom Passero, CP(E)
As the Founder of our companies and a semi-retired, non-practicing clinician, I could not be more proud of the impact we have made over the past 35+ years in providing prosthetic and orthotic care to thousands of individuals.
Looking back, I clearly see the trajectory of my own clinical practice and the mission that shaped our organization. These influences guided our focus, informed our methods, and helped build the collaborative relationships we now share with the many professionals involved in each person’s care.
A defining influence, of course, was my personal experience seeking prosthetic care for my own limb difference. After a traumatic lower-limb amputation at age 23, while still in college, I did not find the clinical care I needed, expected, or believed should exist. That absence redirected my life, steering me into the O&P field—a change for which I remain endlessly grateful.
From that moment forward, I committed myself to delivering the most contemporary, compassionate care possible. I embraced emerging technologies and pursued the elusive goal of a “plasterless” workflow. I invested in some of the world’s first CAD and CAM systems, and throughout the years continued integrating technology, science, and mathematics into the art of creating comfortable, safe, and functional devices. As a team, we have advanced this mission even further—adopting digital imaging, computer-aided modification, and 3D printing—to ensure our clients benefit from the most modern systems available.
My commitment to learning has taken me to clinics across nearly every continent, from Buenos Aires to Bologna, seeking and sharing knowledge to ensure that I understood as much as anyone practicing in this field.
I am deeply grateful to the clinicians, technicians, administrators, surgeons, physiatrists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and case managers who have partnered with us in a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to care. Their shared commitment to excellence has been essential to our success and professional satisfaction.
Although my Emeritus status with the American Board for Certification means I no longer treat patients directly, I continue to take great pleasure in witnessing the successes and innovations of our team. They now serve individuals from across the United States and around the world, people seeking the very type of care I once needed but could not find.
I remain profoundly thankful for all who have influenced, supported, and worked alongside me throughout this journey. And I am equally grateful to the current team, who continue to pursue the privilege of helping others while embracing contemporary methods and striving for exceptional outcomes.
With respect and appreciation for all those I have met along the way…
Managing Partner & Chief Operating Officer
Laura Katzenberger, CP/L
Laura is the Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Handspring. She studied Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rochester and went on to Northwestern University to earn a Certificate in Prosthetics. Laura has nearly two decades of experience in upper limb prosthetics having worked for the manufacturer Touch Bionics, the developer of the world’s first multi-articulating hand and partial hand solution.
Laura has been an integral part of Handspring since its inception in 2012. She works with clients primarily in New York and Colorado while also educating therapists, physicians, and case managers about the impact that successfully created upper limb prosthetics can have on the lives of their patients. Laura lives in the Catskill Mountain region in New York where she spends her free time painting, hiking, biking as well as water, cross country, and alpine skiing.
Director of Clinical Services
Chris Fink, MSPO, CPO
Chris studied Exercise and Sport Science at Ithaca College and received a minor in Nutrition and a specialty in Biomechanics. This multi-faceted knowledge base served him well at Georgia Institute of Technology where he obtained his Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics. He gained invaluable experience during his residencies and managing clinics in Atlanta, GA and Chattanooga, TN. He also taught at Georgia Tech’s Prosthetic & Orthotic Masters Program.
Chris joined our team in 2020 and manages complex lower and upper limb prosthetic fittings. He looks forward to helping those who use upper and lower limb prostheses to achieve their best possible outcomes and not feel limited by their limb difference. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, daughters, and 3-legged dog.
Clinical Specialist
Middletown & Poughkeepsie
Kristen Lindsay, MSPO, CPO/L
Kristen is a New Jersey native who discovered her passion for the field while she while studying Exercise Science as an undergrad at Towson University. She first become interested in O&P when a family member required specialized care. This led her to pursue a career by attending the University of Hartford for her Master's of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics degree. She competed residency and began her career at in New Jersey.
Kristen takes pride in guiding patients through the entire process, ensuring they feel supported and informed every step of the way. She works with a diverse range of populations, tailoring solutions to meet each individual's unique needs.
Beyond her professional work, Kristen enjoys skiing, competing in triathlons, and spending quality time with family. She also enjoys reading and baking.
Clinical Specialist
Middletown, Poughkeepsie & Milford
Macy Oteri, MSPO, CPO/L
Macy, a New Jersey native, earned her bachelor’s in exercise science from the University of Delaware, where she gained research experience in the Delaware Limb Loss Studies Lab under Dr. Jaclyn “Megan” Sions. This sparked her passion for orthotics and prosthetics, leading her to pursue a Master’s at Eastern Michigan University.
She began her career in South Jersey/Philadelphia, working in diverse clinical settings, including hospitals, therapy clinics, and home care. Dedicated to patient-centered care, Macy prioritizes understanding each individual's goals to achieve the best outcomes. She has experience with all levels of orthotic and prosthetic devices, with a special interest in upper limb prosthetics.
Outside of work, Macy enjoys spending time with loved ones, gardening, hiking, skiing, and rollerblading.
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Clinical Advisor
Cassandra Delgado, MSPO, CPO - Se habla espanol
Cassandra’s experience with the orthotic and prosthetic profession started long ago as a child growing up in Florida when her grandmother became a bilateral amputee.
When a local physician suggested that Cass looking into the O&P field, she quickly became hooked on the idea. She did very well academically in receiving her degrees from the University of West Florida and Alabama State University before heading to the University of Michigan to complete her residency.
Cassandra has extensive experience treating a wide spectrum of all patient populations, including pediatrics. Cassandra assists with guiding the POA Clinical Team and ensuring our staff is the most up to date on the newest technologies.
Cassandra enjoys serving the Spanish-speaking population.
Pediatric Specialist
Middletown
Carlene Parent-Aniello, CPOA
Carlene attended SUNY Orange where she received her Associate’s degree and graduated Suma Cum Laude. She started off as a volunteer with POA and has since become a valuable member of our team as a Clinical Assistant.
Carlene is a certified orthotic fitter and has extensive experience in conducting validated patient outcome measures. Carlene excels at creating a warm and welcoming environment
Board Eligible Prosthetist/Orthotist
Middletown & Kingston
Leah Sucato, MSPO
Leah is a native to the Hudson Valley Region of New York. She was introduced to the field of Orthotics & Prosthetics by a family friend. She received her Masters in Prosthetics & Orthotics from the University of Hartford.
What she enjoys most about working in the field is the opportunity to improve lives of the patients she treats and the diversity of always learning something new.
Technician
Middletown
Franco Incanno
Franco is a master technician from outside the prosthetic and orthotic field. He is a great addition to our fabrication team.
The Administrative Team
Every patient who walks into our clinic has basic questions about how the services will be provided and paid for and what they can expect their lives to be like as they progress with their care. A key component in this process is the professional manner in which the experienced Administrative Team at Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates works through each patient’s individual situation.
As part of our standard patient care process, we are committed to spending constructive time every day counseling our patients on their patient services, funding and insurance options. Here are the members of our Administrative Team at POA!
Julie Palmer
Practice Manager
Carol Gray
Billing and Special Projects
MaryAnn Garcia
Office Administrator - Middletown
Whitlee Hueston
Office Administrator - Middletown
Amanda Rogers
Office Administrator -
Poughkeepsie
The POA team is committed to our single mission:
To provide world-class care.
This singularly focused mission and its resulting Core Values, drive how we operate every day. We track a variety of metrics each month to ensure we are reaching our goal of providing World-Class Care.
We all enjoy the advances of technology in our everyday lives.
At POA, we are committed to integrating the latest advancements in prosthetic technology to enhance patient care. Our practitioners utilize cutting-edge tools throughout the clinical process—from computer-aided design (CAD) for precise measurements to selecting advanced materials and components that optimize function and comfort. With over a decade of experience using CAD technology, our team continuously pursues additional certifications to remain at the forefront of the field.
We are also leaders in leveraging telemedicine, providing patients with access to clinical experts nationwide and ensuring seamless, efficient care through electronic medical records. Additionally, we prioritize patient outcomes by utilizing advanced measurement tools to assess and improve prosthetic and orthotic solutions.
For patients in the hospital, we strive to meet with you before discharge to introduce our services, answer any questions, and offer guidance on the next steps in your journey. If an in-hospital visit isn’t possible, our commitment remains the same—you will always feel supported and cared for.
Whether you require ongoing care or regain independence with minimal future visits, POA is here for you—for life.
Our History
1989
POA – Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates established in Middletown, NY by Tom Passero, CP
Nov. 1989
Tom Passero runs in the NYC Marathon, with amputee athletes and Army Veterans.
1990
POA begins using Shapemaker, the first and only software that allowed CAD/CAM socket design and manufacturing at the time adding consistency to patient care.
2003
POA acquires M&M Prosthetics and Orthotics to expand patient care to Kingston & Poughkeepsie offices.
2010
Tom Passero designs flagship Middletown clinic—energy-efficient, tech-forward, and care-focused.
2012
Upper limb prosthetics specialty division, Handspring, begins serving patients.
2021
POA invests in Filament Innovations 3D printing technology, decreasing fabrication time for diagnostic sockets.
2023
POA enhances 3D design capabilities with Orten Shape scanning technology.
2025
POA expands access to care with new clinic opening in Milford, PA.
Expanding patient care and services
Over the years, the POA team has been early adopters of all prosthetic and orthotic technological innovations including microprocessor knees, advanced multi-articulating hands, new myoelectric control strategies, designs of hip joints, and digital socket technologies. Our uniquely experienced team of prosthetists, therapists, fabrication specialists, and insurance experts has worked with patients around the globe to provide innovative, highly customized prosthetic devices that assist patients in living their daily lives to the fullest.
Dedicated, Qualified Team
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics is a national association in the orthotic and prosthetic profession that is officially recognized by Medicare, other government agencies and payors to evaluate prosthetic and orthotic clinics and practitioners for their adherence to patient care management, quality assurance, facility management, and safety regulations.
All of POA’s clinical locations are approved by ABC as facilities at the highest level of accreditation and all of our prosthetists and orthotists are 'certified' practitioners. Our clinical team has combined their book smarts, their practical experience and a caring human spirit to provide almost 100 years of professional experience in our local communities.
Walk all day, walk smoother, walk with confidence and greater safety.
